On what date did President George W. Bush sign the U.S. Patriot Act into law?

The U.S. Patriot Act was signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 26, 2001. This legislation was enacted in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, and it aimed to enhance law enforcement’s ability to prevent terrorism. The timing of the signing is crucial in understanding the legislative context – it came shortly after the attacks, reflecting the urgent national security concerns at the time.

This law significantly expanded the powers of law enforcement agencies for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and the sharing of information, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. policy regarding civil liberties and security measures. The context of the act and its immediate aftermath highlight why this specific date is historically significant.